MSc in Integrated Systems & Circuits Design
Master's Degree Program
The Integrated Systems & Circuits Design (ISCD) master’s degree program combines in-depth technical knowledge with a consistently practice-oriented education. It specifically prepares you for challenging tasks in the development of integrated circuits and electronic systems.
Why ISCD? Microelectronics forms the foundation of numerous future technologies–from smart sensors and applications in the automotive industry to modern communication systems, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence.
During the program, you’ll gain comprehensive knowledge in analog and digital circuit design, semiconductor technologies, design methods, and the modeling of electronic systems. Through real-world projects, you’ll apply your knowledge in practice and become familiar with the various phases of modern microchip development.
Close collaboration with industry partners and a focus on current technological developments will specifically prepare you for your career. With a master’s degree in Integrated Systems & Circuits Design, you’ll be qualified to develop innovative microchips and electronic systems.
Join us in shaping the world of tomorrow–innovation at the chip level.
What professional tools will I use during my studies?
You will work in a modern CAD and simulation environment using industrial EDA tools from Cadence, Synopsys, and Siemens EDA. You will also utilize modern CMOS technologies from TSMC.
In what fields can I work after I graduate?
You can work in the semiconductor industry, at IC design firms, technology companies, and research institutions, or start your own high-tech company.
What research opportunities does the program offer?
You can participate in current projects at the CIME Research Center and write your master's thesis as part of a research project.
Are you ready to bring the digital world together on a single chip?
Then let’s explore the world of microelectronics together.
Special Features of the Program
Research
Applied research in microelectronics is a core strength of the Integrated Systems & Circuits Design (ISCD) master’s program. Through close collaboration with the CIME research center and partnerships with national and international companies, students gain access to hands-on training, cutting-edge research projects, and real-world industrial challenges.
Technological Development & Challenges
Complex system-on-chips (SoCs) can only be implemented using modern CMOS semiconductor technologies and powerful CAD tools. The rapid pace of development in this field requires comprehensive and specialized expertise.
The curriculum of the ISCD program is continuously adapted to reflect current topics and trends in the semiconductor industry. Through the involvement of industry experts, students receive a modern education that keeps pace with the latest technological developments.
Your Academic Path—A Practical Degree Program
The ISCD master’s program is an electronics program with a focus on microelectronics and integrated circuits. It provides theoretical and practical expertise for the development of modern system-on-chips throughout the entire microchip development process—from the concept phase and modeling through design and verification to the production and laboratory testing of a test chip.
The highlight—your very own chip!
The ISCD program combines theory and project work throughout the entire course of study. A distinctive feature is the three-semester project: Students develop their own mixed-signal CMOS chip with analog and digital components, have it manufactured, and then characterize it in the lab. One possible example is an analog-to-digital converter.
Details About the Program
Info Box
Level of qualification
Master
ECTS credits
120
Tuition fees*
€ 363.36 / Semester
ÖH (Austrian Student Union) fee
€ 26.20 / Semester
Qualification awarded
Master of Science in Engineering
Duration of study
4 Semester
Language of instruction
English
CU Campus
Villach
Dates Info Box
Winterterm 2026
Period I: 01.11.-15.03.26
Period II: 16.03.-15.05.26
Period III: 16.05.-15.07.26
Period IV: 16.07.-30.09.26*
Due to lengthy visa processes, applications from Africa, the Middle East and South, East, and Southeast Asia only in Period I.
*We reserve the right to close it early.
The semester starts in October - we only offer intake in winterterm!
The start of lectures can be found in the individual timetable which is available after enrollment.
Monday-Friday 16:00h - 19:20h.
If necessary, courses can also take place before 16h or in the morning; + 2-3 Saturdays per month possible; classroom teaching with online parts.
An overview on our upcoming events can be found here.
You are interested in a personal (online) study consultation or would like to receive more information on the degree program? Click on the buttons below this checkbox to learn more.
Language of Instruction: English (min B2)
Application essentials:
More information on the application process, admission requirements and necessary documents can be found here.
* Tuition for non-EU/EEA citizens: €500 + €26.20 ÖH fee (per semester)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Master’s Program
in “Integrated Systems & Circuits Design”
Is this a part-time degree program?
The program is designed as a full-time program but is organized to accommodate working students. Classes are primarily held starting at 4:00 p.m. and, in some cases, on Saturdays, supplemented by online components.
How much time should I set aside?
The master's program lasts four semesters and comprises 120 ECTS credits. The first three semesters include courses, specialization tracks, and a development project. The fourth semester focuses on the master's thesis and the master's examination.
Is the program practical?
Yes, as part of a three-semester project, you will work with other students to develop an integrated circuit. After fabrication, you will analyze the test chip using state-of-the-art measurement and testing equipment in the lab.
Insights into the Program
Students, graduates, and faculty members share firsthand accounts of the master’s program in Integrated Systems & Circuits Design, daily life as a student, and their experiences at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.
This list contains no blog posts.
Book an online information session
During the online information sessions, the program directors or academic directors provide detailed information about the program. Topics include course content, internships, admission requirements, and potential career prospects.
Prof. Johannes Sturm, Dipl.-Ing., Ph.D.
Head of Integrated Systems and Circuits Design
j.sturm(at)cuas.at
Research and Teaching Facilities
The laboratories at CU Carinthia University provide a modern infrastructure that supports hands-on learning and innovative research. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and specialized equipment, they enable students and researchers to work on projects across a wide range of fields, including engineering, computer science, business, and health.
The laboratories are designed to meet current industry standards and requirements, providing an ideal environment for developing new ideas, technologies, and solutions.
INFORMATION & APPLICATION
Virtual Campus Tour
Contact
Elizabeth Maggauer-Hoffmann, M.A.
Administration
+43 5 90500 2003
e.maggauer-hoffmann(at)cuas.at
On foot
From the Villach Seebach train station, you can reach the campus in about 20 minutes on foot (1.6 km). The route follows the Drau River to the campus.
By public transportation
The campus is directly accessible from Villach Central Station via bus lines 3 and 8 to the “Technologiepark” stop. From the Villach Seebach train station, you can also reach the campus by taking bus line 8 to the “Technologiepark” stop. The Villach city bus schedules are coordinated with the ÖBB schedules.
By car
Coming from Klagenfurt/Vienna, take the A2 Südautobahn to the Wernberg exit. From there, follow the B83 Kärntner Straße toward Villach for about 2 km, then follow the signs toward Magdalenen See or Technologiepark.
Coming from Salzburg/Munich via the A10 Tauern Autobahn, take the Villach/Ossiacher See exit and follow the B33 Kärntner Straße for about 2 km toward Wernberg/Klagenfurt. Then turn toward Magdalenen See and follow the road to the Technology Park.
There are several free parking spaces right in front of the building, and additional paid parking spaces are available in the surrounding area.
By Plane
There are several airports in the area:
- Klagenfurt: approx. 30-minute drive
- Ljubljana (Slovenia): approx. 1-hour drive
- Graz: approx. 2-hour drive
- Salzburg: approx. 2-hour drive
- Trieste and Venice (Italy): about 2 to 3 hours by car
- Vienna: about a 4-hour drive
- Munich: approx. 4-hour drive
From there, you can continue your journey to the Villach campus by train, bus, taxi, or car.